2. You improve your memory

A 2010 study out of the US announced a discovery of a mechanism by which, relaxation neurons in the brain work together to improve memory.

Researchers determined that stronger and more lasting memories are likely to be formed when a person is relaxed and the memory-related neurons in the brain fire in sync with certain brain waves.

Dr Kerrie Buhagiar, Director of Service Delivery at ReachOut Australia, said the signs of stress can be different for everyone but there are a number of common symptoms to look out for, such as feeling worried, anxious or moody, being unable to concentrate or retain memory, control thoughts or get a good night's sleep.

"Fortunately, there are many resources readily available to assist in relaxation."

"ReachOut has a range of apps, such as ReachOut Breathe and ReachOut WorryTime, that can be really helpful tools to manage stress and to help you learn essential relaxation techniques," Dr Buhagiar said.

5. You boost your immune system

"When you're chronically in fight or flight mode, stress hormones can build up in the body and over time may negatively impact the immune system, for instance, via a greater risk of infection," Dr Keogh said.

"The immune system does better with a more relaxed lifestyle."

The findings of an expansive 2006 review, titled Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System and involving a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry, determined that while temporary stress does elicit potentially beneficial changes in the immune system, with chronic stress, more components of the immune system were affected in a potentially detrimental way.

6. You become more productive

What researchers discovered was improved performance across the board for athletes with an increase in nightly sleep time.

"You tend to be more focused and engaged in what you're doing when you're relaxed and well rested because you're not distracted by the worries and anxieties that might be impacting on other aspects in your life," Dr Buhagiar said.

"It frees your mind to get on with what's in front of you and be present."

7. You increase your energy

In 1975, Professor Herbert Benson described what he referred to as The Relaxation Response, this is the body's ability to experience a decrease in heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, muscle tension and oxygen consumption.

Research on this approach has shown that this simple technique can increase energy, decrease fatigue and increase arousal from a drowsy state.

"People find that when they do 15-20 minutes of deep breathing at a time, energy is increased after doing that and this is one of the reasons I recommend this exercise to so many of clients," Dr Keogh said.

Reducing stress and increasing happiness helps us all live healthier, more fulfilled lives.

It enables us to feel confident in the decisions we make about our homes, lives and well-being.